Dateline 1812 : Britain is at war with Napoleon in Europe. The newly founded USA ( 1776) looks north and congress notes the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada (The Canadas), are looking lightly defended. A goal of conquest is stated and the US declares war on Great Britain on June 12, 1812.
At the time, the American military outnumbered the British Army in Canada by four to one. The British Generals needed to strategize, work cohesively and out maneuver the much larger US army. Battle after battle was fought, in the towns, on the lakes, and in the woods. This is a story of sieges, capturing of forts, repelling armies, gunfire, cannons sounding, all in our present day backyard. This is a story of the underdog British Army and colonial militias, who while being outgunned and outmanned, won by the strategic strengths of their generals and commanders.
Getting the 1812 fever yet? You can get a feel for the action that was taking place here in the Simcoe County at the Wasaga under Siege festival taking place this weekend that focuses on the reenactments of the battle near Wasaga Beach.
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July 23rd, 24th and 25th / 2010
“A War of 1812 Experience” hosted by Nancy Island Historic Site and the Town of Wasaga Beach will feature authentic War of 1812 tactics, historical battles, marine assault landings, artillery, and much more. A professional public address announcer will narrate each battle event as a series of fictional and historical battle scenarios will be presented to the public over a three day period. The Grand Encampment at Nancy Island Historic Site will feature over 400 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, artisans, period cooking, musket and cannon demonstrations and period entertainment featuring, Tamarack, Caber Toss, The Zoom Daddy’s, Dr. Quimby’s Medicine Show, Laura Secord, Shaymus the Storyteller, Sutler Cyrus, War of 1812 Surgeon, On-gwe-ho-way and Backroads.”
